New Orleans Pelicans newly hired Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars spoke one-on-one with WDSU Sports Director Fletcher Mackel Wednesday about what’s next for one of their star players. Dumars said Zion Williamson will not be cut or traded and that the Pels are moving forward with Zion as the face of the franchise. This comes amid a civil lawsuit that was filed in Los Angeles where an ex-girlfriend accused Williamson of rape. Dumars said he could not comment on that investigation, but did say the Pelicans are taking the situation seriously. Dumars was born in Natchitoches and played college basketball at McNeese State in Lake Charles.After helping lead the Detroit Pistons to two NBA Championships (1989, 1990) he moved into the Pistons front office and led that franchise from 2000-2014 and was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2003.Dumars worked as an executive at the NBA League Offices in New York before replacing fired VP David Griffin. Williamson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, but due to a series of injuries and off the court issues, he has yet to play in a playoff game.

NEW ORLEANS —

New Orleans Pelicans newly hired Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars spoke one-on-one with WDSU Sports Director Fletcher Mackel Wednesday about what’s next for one of their star players.

Dumars said Zion Williamson will not be cut or traded and that the Pels are moving forward with Zion as the face of the franchise.

This comes amid a civil lawsuit that was filed in Los Angeles where an ex-girlfriend accused Williamson of rape.

Dumars said he could not comment on that investigation, but did say the Pelicans are taking the situation seriously.

Dumars was born in Natchitoches and played college basketball at McNeese State in Lake Charles.

After helping lead the Detroit Pistons to two NBA Championships (1989, 1990) he moved into the Pistons front office and led that franchise from 2000-2014 and was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2003.

Dumars worked as an executive at the NBA League Offices in New York before replacing fired VP David Griffin.

Williamson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, but due to a series of injuries and off the court issues, he has yet to play in a playoff game.